Parkinson's Law, in its original form, states that "work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion." This was a humorous attempt at mathematically describing the rate at which bureaucracies expand over time -- the consequence of which is something that Washington is now dealing with. Hence the mania over the so-called "fiscal cliff" as the clock is ticking towards the January 1st and 2nd deadlines.

The upcoming U.S. Presidential election in November is already becoming regular water cooler content for Canadians starved for the return of hockey season, even though the outcome may not necessarily change the direction for Canada's economy. The similarities of both parties for Canada suggest that the attention to the election will be more for entertainment reasons on a night we don't want to watch hockey.

The irony of Germany's loss to Italy in the Euro 2012 cup will not be lost on those who have been watching the Eurozone financial crisis play out in recent weeks. Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel has been steadfast in her opposition to a plan for a common debt issuance program (so-called "euro bonds"), while her electorate have turned up their collective noses to calls for additional handouts to the problem centres like Greece.

In the wake of May's bond market rally from heaven, administered rates have seen additional downward pressure into June. GIC rates have extended their decline, while Canadian mortgage rates are downright juicy. Given this environment, it's no surprise that Canadians are uncertain as to whether they should be paying down debt instead of building investment nest eggs.